Page 76 of Fly Boy
"I think what you’re looking for, Luke, is that they are moving effortlessly across the ice. Next up is that lift they perfected at the Grand Prix Final back in November. Can Evan lift Pippa as seamlessly as last time? And he’s done it. Up she goes, striking that beautiful starfish pose, their angles perfectly aligned.”
“Honestly, Jessica, the strength and control required for this lift is incredible. Not only from Evan, but from Pippa too."
“I could watch these two all day, Luke. And the way Evan lowers her back onto the ice… They make it look so easy, like you and I could get on that ice and recreate that move.”
“Bambi on Ice, featuring your hosts, Jessica Cummings and Luke Armstrong. I don’t think we’d be selling out tickets the way the professionals here today manage to.”
“We can dream. But what a dream it’s been for the pair on the ice this evening. It’s like we’re watching a different couple from the one that competed only a few short months ago. As they move into the paired spin, they’re spinning is everything. Perfect unison that they were missing the last time they competed.”
“Whatever they’ve done in between these competitions is working… the hard work… the countless hours of practicing we know each and every athlete does… Seamless, Jessica. Seamless.”
“They’re not just performing. They’re telling a story, and it might just be the most beautiful one we’ve ever seen."
"They are finishing strong here in California, with barely anything to be penalized for. I’d be putting my money on these two taking home the gold. You can feel the energy in the arena tonight, Jessica. The crowd is captivated by them."
“They aren’t the only ones, Luke. And would you look at the satisfaction on their faces as they strike their final pose? Delight, Luke. That is pure delight on both their faces. They’ve delivered an exceptional performance, and what a pleasure it was to witness them compete."
My hands tremble as I lift the gold medal from around my neck, the weight a solid reminder that this is not a dream.
This is real.
Evan and I are going to Worlds in March.
Evan and I are one step closer to potentially being chosen to represent Team USA at the Olympics.
I’m still shaking as I walk back into the locker room and pull out my phone, biting my lower lip when I see my notification.
Mr. Sexy Pilot Man
Now, that was a girl who loved to skate. So damn proud of your gold. I knew you could do it.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Good evening, sir,” Liamsays as Mr. Cartwright walks on board. “How was California? The competition?”
I get up from my seat and make my way to the cockpit door, standing back as my co-pilot welcomes them on board. Mr. Cartwright’s cheeks are tinged pink, the faint smell of cigar smoke and champagne wafting from his breath as he smiles widely.
“California was amazing because my little girl won gold!” he gushes, tugging Pippa’s arm and tucking her into his side. “Show him your medal, sweetheart.”
“Dad,” Pippa groans as Mr. Cartwright holds up the medal hanging around her neck.
“Congratulations,” Liam exclaims. “My sister was watching the entire thing; she wanted me to tell you that she thought you were fantastic.”
She smiles, but she doesn’t linger on him for long. Her gaze flicks behind him, locking with mine, and it feels like we’re the only ones on the plane. I want to tell her how proud I am, not just through text. I want to wrap her in my arms, kiss her, worship her, celebrate her.
Looping my hands behind my back, I grab one of my wrists, squeezing like a vice, relishing the sharp bite of pain before nodding politely. “Miss Cartwright.”
“Captain,” she says, the breathiness of my title making my cock twitch behind my zipper.
“We need to crack open more champagne,” Mr. Cartwright announces, ushering Pippa farther into the plane.
“I think we’ve had enough,” Nancy giggles as she climbs the last stair. She pats Liam's arm, leaning in to whisper, albeit loudly. “I apologize now; we may have overindulged at the Exhibition Gala.”
“No need, ma’am,” Liam replies tactfully. “Enjoy your celebrations.”
Nancy follows her husband and stepdaughter, laughing as Mr. Cartwright practically tugs her onto his knee. Liam turns around, his eyes wide, and he makes a face when we hear a champagne cork popping. I raise an eyebrow disapprovingly. This istheirplane. They can do what they like.
Liam nods and straightens his tie. “Ready whenever you are, Captain.”
